Here is the translation to American English:
In light of several manufacturers withdrawing from the optical disc market, Verbatim Japan and I-O Data have reaffirmed their commitment to the stable distribution and continuous production of Blu-ray, DVD, and CD discs in Japan.
A Transforming Market
The optical disc sector has experienced a decline in recent years due to the rise of digital storage and cloud streaming. As a result, companies like Sony and LG have decided to exit Blu-ray manufacturing, drastically reducing the availability of these physical media in the market.
However, Verbatim Japan and I-O Data have identified that there is still a demand for such products, particularly in sectors that require reliable long-term storage solutions. Through strategic collaboration, both companies have solidified Japan as a key bastion in the manufacturing and distribution of high-quality optical media.
Ensuring the Supply of High-Quality Optical Discs
To ensure a stable supply chain, Verbatim Japan has implemented an advanced manufacturing system based on Japanese technology and strict quality controls. Thanks to this infrastructure, the company can distribute high-performance optical discs worldwide, while I-O Data serves as the exclusive distributor for the Japanese market.
This alliance allows consumers and businesses to continue accessing reliable and durable optical media, even at a time when other manufacturers have opted to exit this sector.
Verbatim: Over 50 Years of Commitment to Data Storage
Founded in 1969 in California, USA, Verbatim has become a global leader in the data storage industry. Its name, derived from Latin, means “word for word”, reflecting its commitment to precision and reliability in data recording. For more than five decades, the company has supplied millions of CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays to users worldwide.
As a testament to its leadership in the sector, Verbatim Japan has been awarded the BCN AWARD 2025 in three categories:
🏆 Best BD Media (Blu-ray Discs)
🏆 Best DVD Media
🏆 Best CD Media
These awards recognize manufacturers with the highest sales volume based on POS data collected from major electronics stores in Japan, highlighting Verbatim as one of the most trusted brands in the market.
The Future of Optical Discs: A Smaller Yet Relevant Market
While the demand for physical media has drastically decreased, Verbatim Japan still sees opportunities in this segment, especially for those seeking long-term storage solutions.
💾 Why do optical discs remain a valid option?
- Longer lifespan: CDs and DVDs can last up to 30 years, while Blu-rays can reach up to 50 years, provided they are stored properly.
- Reliability: Unlike hard disks (HDD), which are prone to mechanical failure, and flash memory (USB, SSDSolid State Drive or SSD (English acronym for Solid State Drive), SD), which degrade over time, optical discs provide safe and durable storage.
- Low maintenance: They do not require constant energy to preserve data, unlike other digital storage systems.
- Usage in archiving and backups: Many government institutions, businesses, and users still rely on optical discs to securely and permanently preserve data.
Verbatim and I-O Data: Keeping the Era of Physical Storage Alive
For many consumers, Verbatim is a symbol of nostalgia, as it played a fundamental role in the golden age of physical storage. Many still hold collections of CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays filled with music, movies, video games, and software.
As optical drives disappear from modern computers, the ability to read and write in these formats has become a niche necessity. Nevertheless, Verbatim Japan and I-O Data remain committed to this market, ensuring that Blu-ray, DVD, and CD discs remain available in the coming years.
Conclusion: A Solid Future for Optical Storage
While digital storage has taken the lead in the industry, Verbatim Japan maintains its bet on optical disc manufacturing, ensuring that those who need reliable physical storage have options. Thanks to its stable production system and strategic distribution through I-O Data, Verbatim continues to be one of the last major manufacturers defending the era of optical discs.
For more information on Verbatim products and their recent awards, visit the official Verbatim Japan website.